Fiorentina willing to stretch for Neto

The negotiations for Norbeto Neto's new contract gone well since the last stalemate, with La Reppublica and others reporting that both sides have taken "steps forward" towards signing a new deal. The Fiorentina starting goalkeeper, whose current contract expires in the summer, has been allegedly courted by both Liverpool and Roma in recent months, but the Viola bosses seem to have decided to make his permanence a priority.

There were questions about Neto's future early in the season when Fiorentina brought in Romanian international Ciprian Tatarusanu from Steaua Bucharest in the summer. But the Brazilian goalkeeper has confirmed his starting spot in Serie A with consistently good performances, growth in key areas, and some glorious saves.

The improved Fiorentina offer is said to be a 4 year contract with a salary of 1 and a half million per anum plus bonuses. While Neto and his agent were holding out for a bit more, and could indeed get more at another club, the latest word is that this recent improved offer has been accepted and a deal is near. The rumored salary certainly represents a sizable investment by la Viola in Neto, and one which he has clearly appreciated. Hopefully we'll have the talented and growing keeper between our posts for years to come!